The state of complex, layered television is in a precarious place. It seems America is losing interest in textured, serialized dramas. The most prominent example of this recent phenomenon is Lost, the once critically acclaimed show that has recently seen a dramatic decline in its ratings and is hemorrhaging viewers despite the popularity it received during its first season. According to Mediaweek.com, viewership for the show is down by 4.06 million from last year. This is in spite of the fact that Lost depicts relatable themes, such as redemption and fear of the unknown.

Although the show still gets a decent weekly audience, the turnout now is disappointing. Once the show gained momentum during its first season, a few select episodes were able to pull in more than 20 million viewers. The recent decline of Lost's ratings could be chalked up to a lack of viewer interest, but I believe it's an indication of a greater television trend representative of the behavior of the general America public.

Lost is known for its textured, complex and often confusing storylines, all depicted as the survivors of a plane crash attempt to survive on an unknown island. In contrast to other shows, Lost does not provide the answers that viewers drastically crave. Instead, in each new episode the show produces new questions. Perhaps in typical American instant-gratification style, viewers are tired of waiting for a payoff that has yet to arrive.

The majority of American viewers are too shallow and impatient to appreciate the complexities of a show like Lost because they are too distracted with other issues. People are too preoccupied with their personal lives, the war in Iraq, the 2008 Presidential race or the showdown with Iran. However, if this were true, how would one explain the fact that shows like American Idol are averaging over 30 millions viewers per week this season? America simply wants to be entertained with Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell bitching at each other, rather than have to think while watching television.

Don't get me wrong; I like watching American Idol. Really. I can also understand why it appeals to numerous people: It's just an entertaining singing competition. Americans are wild about American Idol, a show filled with naive, yet vain contestants, because they are able to relate to the contestants as they live their dreams.

America needs to be more patient and less fickle. We have a compulsive need for instant access to everything. How many times have you been frustrated if you couldn't immediately access something you wanted, like coffee or the Internet? Lost doesn't give in to that need. Instead, the pacing of Lost mirrors the way in which people should live their lives. Sure, life is frustrating, but people should approach it with a level head and patience.

We all know that impatience leads to stress, and stress can cause fatigue, insomnia, cramps, trembling, forgetfulness and nail biting. That right there seems enough to cause a heart attack. If Americans can't wait to get their coffee, it's no surprise that they are frustrated with slow paced television. The stories of Lost are not exactly an allegory for everyday life, but the recent frustration with the show seems to be linked to America's short fuse.

Is instant gratification really that great? It's certain that people won't find it in Lost. As cliché as it may sound, sometimes the good things in life are worth waiting for. Instant gratification is not nearly as satisfying as waiting for the big finale, whether on TV or in life.

The creators of the show have plans to set a definitive end to the shows around the fifth season, and they plan on providing viewers with the desired answers to the mysteries of the show.

In terms of real life, people just need to chill out and remain unwearied. It seems simple, but people find it so hard to do. In terms of Lost, just relax and give the show a second chance. Allow yourself to be distracted by and sucked into the complex storylines of the show, and don't analyze or get frustrated by every little plot development. If you do, your own overly high expectations will destroy the show. The quality and entertainment factor of Lost is as high as it has ever been. Trust me, when the end of the journey comes, your questions will be answered. Just as in life, you need to enjoy the ride while you can.

Reach columnist Chris Heide at opinion@thedaily.washington.edu.